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Troy Aikman will be inducted into The College Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. Although Aikman is best known for leading the Cowboys to three Super Bowl titles in the 90’s and being one of the most accurate passes in NFL history, Aikman says he feels like his college career is incomplete.

“The one I regret I have on any level is that I didn’t lead a team to the Rose Bowl,” the three-time Super Bowl champion said. “I think a lot of times in the NFL a quarterback is measured by whether or not you lead a team to a championship. For me at UCLA, it was whether or not you led your team to the Rose Bowl. I failed to do that.”

“My college career, in my opinion, is not quite complete,” he said.

What most don’t remember is that Troy Aikman was a part of a National Championship team in 1985 with the Oklahoma Sooners before transferring to UCLA. He broke his leg early in the season and the Sooners went onto win the Championship. Aikman transferred to UCLA after the 1985 season, but had to redshirt for one season due to college transfer rules. AIkman started two season for UCLA and passed for 5,298 yards and 41 TDs. He was considered one of the best QBs in college in 1989 after his senior season, but missed out on the Heisman Trophy to some player named Barry Sanders.

Aikman will be inducted along with one of his favorite targets while with the Cowboys, Jay Novacek.

“Because he’s also someone I think is worthy of the Pro Football Hall of Fame,” Aikman said. “He’s a very understated player. For me to have a chance to go in with him into the College Football Hall of Fame is about as meaningful as anything that could have happened.”

Player quotes

Roy Williams is tired of having his words twisted around every time he speaks to the media. He is considering not speaking to the media anymore this season.

“It’s just that no matter what I say, it’s always going to get turned around and be pointed in a negative way,” Williams said. “So I’m just going to shut up and play ball.”

Ken Hamlin had some things to say about Tony Romo, his receivers and the end of the 2008 season.

About Tony Romo reported on Dal.Scout.com…

“He has to be a vocal leader. He has to be the one and go out and take command of this team. He is the leader of this team. I think he’s done that, especially this offseason. He’s been more vocal. He’s going out and working hard, doing extra with Roy (Williams) and some of the other receivers. It’s showing. Those guys are getting on the same page. Hopefully we can start off and we’re clicking from the jump.”

Adam Jones was back in the news the other day. ESPN released this video from the nightclub Pacman was at in February of 2007 before the shootings happened. Kelly forwarded this to me yesterday and it can be disturbing. Well, actually it is disturbing.

I for one am offended by his actions and his total disrespect for those girls and everyone around him. That goes for all the others as well, not just Pacman. We can all read article after article about every thing that happened that night, but when it’s viewed than it puts it in a whole new light for me. This man should never play football again and I am ashamed that he ever wore a Dallas Cowboys uniform.

http://lonestarstruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/posts2.png180397Robert Vetranohttp://lonestarstruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/lonestarstruck.pngRobert Vetrano2009-07-18 09:10:072009-07-18 09:10:07Troy Aikman Going Into College Football Hall of Fame

It has been reported on ESPN.com and ProFootballTalk.com that Jerry Jones said he’s considering bring back Adam Jones, although he calls it a long shot. Jones was heard asking a reporter for the Fort Worth Star Telegram…

“Would you beat me up too bad if I brought back Adam?”

I can answer that question. YES!!!! With all the positive things Jerry Jones has done this off season why ruin it with bringing Pacman back? I believe the team is heading in the right direction with the youth that they have in the secondary. Let the guys who are hungry and have that fire play. Not someone who can’t stay out of trouble. I’m excited with Mike Jenkins and Orlando Scandrick going into their second seasons and even more excited for our rookies Mike Mickens and DeAngelo Smith. Although Smith will be playing mostly safety, he is still an option at cornerback. If Jerry Jones wants another veteran than I still say he should go out and see about signing Chris McAlister.

In other news ProFootballTalk.com has reported that Dallas has no interest in former Jacksonville Jaguar wide receiver Matt Jones. I would put Matt Jones right up there with Pacman. Leave him alone. The Cowboys do not need him. And I really hope the idea of Plaxico Burress does not pop-up anywhere.

On a lighter side of things. For everyone out there who like me will keep walking by the magazine stands waiting for those first preseason magazines…well, your wait is over. Yesterday I found two and of course bought them. Early season predictions don’t even have the Cowboys making the playoffs which I love. Let’s stay under that radar all season. Athlon Pro Football magazine has the Patriots beating the Eagles in Super Bowl XLIV. Also, because I’m NY Mediocre Manning is on the cover, so I was a little childish and cut out the head of Homer Simpson and put it over Eli’s head. It looks pretty good. I just couldn’t help myself. If only I lived in the Dallas area where Romo will be on the cover!!

Our NFL beat writer, James Edwards, reports that cornerback Adam “Pac-Man” Jones could have garnered some interest from the Jets. He writes,

Pacman Jones, who our Dallas Cowboys just recently divorced, now wants back into the NFL and apparently the quickly rebuilding Jets are interested in his services. The New York Jets have made big moves this off-season by picking up Rex Ryan the defensive genius who was the mastermind of the Baltimore Ravens feared defense. They also added LB Bart Scott also from Baltimore, and traded up in this year’s draft to the 5th spot and selected QB Mark Sanchez from USC.

Will be tied to every Pacman Jones story for ever just because he played for us for six months?

Tony Romo’s bid to qualify for the U.S. Open fell short on Monday at Dallas National Golf Club. Romo shot an 80 in the local qualifying round. He will now attempt to qualify for the HP Byron Nelson Championship today at Stonebridge Ranch Country Club in McKinney.

Wouldn’t it be great if Tony Romo could spend some time qualifying for the NFL post season?

Special teams coach Joe DeCamillis was released from Parkland Memorial Hospital on Sunday, less than a week after undergoing surgery for a fractured vertebrae. DeCamillis suffered the injury in the collapse of the Cowboys’ indoor practice facility May 2. He initially was seen walking around after the incident but complained of neck pain and was taken to the hospital.

Hard to see this one coming. Think back to Sunday night September 21. Dallas was rolling over Green Bay in Lambeau. Tell me you didnt at least have the thought of an undeafeated season in your head. Best team in NFC AND NFL. Make your reservations for Tampa. Hard to believe that was only six short weeks ago.

Oh, how the mighty have fallen.

Now 5-4 and in last place in the NFC East and, as hard as it is to believe, the playoffs are far from a sure thing. Sure the starting QB missed some games. Terrence Newman & Felix Jones being out hurt too. But all of the Cowboys woes can’t be placed on injured players being out. There were plenty of signs in the Arizona game that this team was flawed. All this talent and 5 wins in 9 games ? Where do we go from here?

After all the injuries, poor play and coaching, the PacMan Jones saga and a rough start in the division the season can still be saved!! One win in Washington can save the season. Next Tuesday the practice field should look more like the 2008 Cowboys were supposed to: Romo, Newman, Kosier, F. Jones, A. Spencer and Roy Williams. Two weeks to rally the troops. Two weeks to save the season!

From Where I’m Sitting:

-Brad Johnson. Seems like a nice guy. Too bad his last NFL pass had to be an interception.

-Finally hit me after 8 weeks yesterday how big a loss the Kyle Kosier is. Without trying I saw Cory Procter get beat 4 times yesterday

-I really hope that we didn’t waste a first round pick on Roy Williams for 3 catches. I understand that it is unfair to judge him on 3 games with Brad Johnson but lets hope he can make more plays with Romo

-What was Mike Jenkins thinking on the last Giants TD run?

-I know I’m reaching but did anyone else want to see an onside kick at 28-14?

-I say it every week that I love MB3…but we sure do miss Felix Jones

-Not sure that Witten had a catch yesterday…but man it should say something that he even gave it a go yesterday with a bye coming up..

http://lonestarstruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/posts4.png180397Contributing Authorhttp://lonestarstruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/lonestarstruck.pngContributing Author2008-11-03 16:16:462008-11-03 16:16:46If there was ever a time to rally the troops...

As the Cowboys enter week 7 of the NFL season, I am somewhat of a “train wreck” over everything we as fans have had to endure this week. I have been on vacation the last two weeks so I have definitely had some time to reflect and “arm chair quarterback” some ideas in my mind if Jerry decides to call.

As my week began on Monday, I was still smarting from the fact we had just literally gave a game away in Arizona to drop to 4-2, when the news began to trickle in.

Our beloved Cowboys were beginning to crumble at our feet. First it was the news that our field general Tony Romo had broken a finger on his throwing hand and would be out up to four weeks. Shortly thereafter, it was learned that Felix Jones would miss two weeks with hamstring issues and finally the news began to trickle out that “Pacman” Jones would be suspended by the Commissioner of the NFL for four games due to his after hour activities which was deemed detrimental to his probation placed on him by the NFL Commissioner when he was reinstated a little over 6 weeks ago.

Adam Jones has or had a very good opportunity to be one of the premier defensive backs in the league and a real gift to the Cowboys. I really felt that when Terence Newman returned to the lineup the Cowboys had two Pro bowl caliber “shutdown” corners. Now that gift has been taken away from the team and us as fans all because of his foolish decisions.

So, with all that said it has not been a good week for Cowboy fans!

I do feel confident in Brad Johnson to lead the team while Romo is out. With the injuries to Terence Newman and Felix Jones, and the verdict still out on Adam Jones, the younger players like Michael Jenkins and Tashard Choice will have to step up and play key roles in the Cowboy’s defensive and offensive game plans.

Well Jerry Jones has never one to be out-done on any deal. After all the bad news we could endure so far, Jones came out of the NFL meetings with a gift to replace the one that had been taken away. The Cowboys announced on Tuesday that they had reached a lucrative deal with former Detroit Lions wide receiver Roy Williams. I for one am ecstatic that Williams is coming to Dallas. Jerry Jones’ pursuit of Williams was almost as ardent as that of Adam Jones’. The Cowboys owner had attempted to trade for Williams over the last two years but could not get the Lions to agree.

So, with just a few hours before the 3 p.m. trade deadline Jones began earnest negotiations with the Lions to bring Williams to Dallas. With at least nine selections in next year’s draft, the Cowboys felt comfortable in giving up their first-, third- and sixth-round picks in return for Williams and Detroit’s seventh round pick. The Cowboys immediately worked out a contract extension to keep the Odessa, Texas native and University of Texas star in Dallas through 2013. The deal said to be in the 45 million dollar range will more than likely give Williams’ a chance to finish his career as a Cowboy.

Williams came in to the league in 2003 as the Lion’s first pick and went to the Pro Bowl in 2006. Since that time his numbers have fell off considerably due in part, to many quarterback and coaching changes that also resulted in many different offensive schemes as well.

When Williams was drafted by the Lions, all they could talk about was his great character and the talent he possesses. Now he joins Terrell Owens to form a dynamic duo at receiver that will feature not only good size but game breaking speed. That combination should play havoc on any opposing secondary.

Thanks Jerry, I am feeling better already!

Brad Johnson is on the spot this week. So are T.O. and MB3 on offense and DeMarcus Ware and Greg Ellis on defense. Pro Bowl players must perform at a Pro Bowl level to help the Cowboys overcome the loss of Romo and the others when the Cowboys travel to St. Louis on Sunday to play the Rams. I think the two players that will have the biggest impact on this weeks game is Miles Austin and Patrick Crayton. Both play wide receiver, but they will be filling different roles against the Rams. With Adam Jones gone, Crayton will be handling the punt return duties and without Felix Jones on kickoff returns that will be the responsibility of Miles Austin. The Cowboys have to maintain good field position. Johnson is not Romo. He has neither his arm nor his mobility. So sacks figure to increase and big plays decrease with a 40-year-old quarterback at the controls. The Cowboys will need more plays to cover more yards to fuel scoring drives.

Field position will be critical Sunday against the Rams. The longer the kickoff and punt returns by the Cowboys, the shorter the field for the offense. With Felix Jones out, Austin figures to return kickoffs and with Adam Jones out, Crayton figures to return punts. The Rams are strong in the kicking game and we will need long kickoff and punt returns to shorten the field for Johnson and the offense. I think the game will be slowed down considerably compared to what we normally see with Romo. Johnson will be a lot more deliberate with his decisions on the field, I am sure a very good run oriented offense has been put into place this week. That will allow Johnson and the offense to control the clock and have very few mistakes.

In the end the Cowboys will do just fine and get out of St. Louis with a win. My prediction is Cowboys 28-17.

http://lonestarstruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/posts2.png180397Contributing Authorhttp://lonestarstruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/lonestarstruck.pngContributing Author2008-10-16 07:39:152008-10-16 07:39:15Cowboys-Rams: A Fan's Agony To Receive One Gift and Have Another Taken Away!

Monday night I was on the phone with my brother, John who was asking me why Marion Barber wasn’t reporting to minicamps or working out with the team. I had theories. I had opinions. I thought maybe it was Barber’s agent Drew Rosenhaus’ idea. Maybe he was trying to make Jerry Jones nervous. "Agents are always trying to get that little extra just so they, themselves can get paid", I complained. Then I blamed Jerry Jones. "Jones is going to do the same thing he did last year with Romo." Then I blamed Barber. "Barber has to understand he’s still somewhat unproven as a starter and should’ve taken the first offer." I grumbled.

I’m pretty sure I’m not the only Cowboys fan that’s been frustrated over the last couple months. The signing of Pacman Jones and what some considered a questionable draft has had me pretty bummed out. I haven’t been able to think of anything positive to write about. I’d sit down to write something and go blank. Nothing was happening. Barber wasn’t signed. Dammit.

All that changed this week. We all know about the signings of Barber and Newman Tuesday so I won’t bore you with what you already know. This was huge by anyone’s standards.

Today I sit here with a big ass smile on my face. This team is headed to the Super Bowl people! Lock it in. Place your bets. Call your friends. Talk trash. Print the shirts. Order the tickets.

I can’t speak for everyone but I can say that this was the "shot in the arm" that I needed to get me pumped for the 2008 season. Thank you Jerry Jones for taking care of business. You eased the minds of countless Cowboys fans across the nation.

Now if you’ll excuse me I have to to my "Ric Flair strut across the room, walk out on my back deck and "WOOOOOOOOOO!" at the top of my voice.

Did I mention the Dallas Cowboys are going to go to the Super Bowl this year?

Hey guys, whats up? Yes I am alive and I did not join the peace corps or the convent and become a priest or anything like that. Sorry I havent been keeping up with lonestarstruck as of lately, but I just started a new job a few weeks ago and being in retail management is hectic if you dont know. Anyways, back to the reason Im here.

The 2008 NFL Draft is a day away! WOOHOO! I dont know about you guys but I have been looking forward to this day since that ugly day back in January. I can’t help but think that Jerry is gonna pull a fast one on us and hopefully shock us in a good way. I keep getting the feeling that Jerry has already pulled off a draft day trade with someone (Detroit or Arizona) just by the vibe he has been expelling lately. Jerry keeps stating he is still looking for that WOW factor on offense and I dont think he means Pacman Jones.

Speaking of Pacman, I for one am happy he is a Cowboy. if he gets on the field this year, I think he will contribute immediatley. He might be a little rusty at first but the guy is only 24 or 25 I think so he will pick it up. Ofcourse, as of this article, the Cowboys and Pacman’s agent are still hammering out the details of the trade and contract but it is all essentially done. For all you Pacman haters, it will all go away when he returns a punt or INT for a TD.

Back to the draft, I am really hoping that Dallas picks up a WR and RB in the 1st round if they dont make a trade. I really like Darren McFadden but we wont get him unless he falls to 7th or lower. Imagine McFadden and Barber as a one two punch? Being the realist that I am, I am gonna go out on a limb here and venture to say that if the Cowboys dont trade any of their two 1st round picks they will draft, Felix Jones and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. Those are my two picks. I will interchange Limas Sweed in there depending on several factors. So there you go guys. Tune it in at 2 PM tomorrow and watch the Draft. I know I will. See you next time kiddies! Same Cowboys Time! Same Cowboys Place! Same Cowboys Channel!

Rumors are beginning to swirl about the Cowboy’s interest in Tennessee Titans cornerback Adam "Pacman" Jones. Jones is arguably one of the best young DB’s/ return specialists in the NFL today. In 2006 he recorded 62 tackles, one sack, 1 forced fumble, 12 deflected passes, 4 interceptions, 130 return yards, one interception touchdown, 14 passes defended (second-team), 440 punt return yards and tied for NFL-high with 3 punt return touchdowns. Those are impressive numbers by anyone’s standards.

Now for the bad news. Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 12 months, you know about Pacman’s 2007 season. Or should I say non-season.

Just before the 2007 draft Jones was involved an incident in a Las Vegas strip club that resulted in a fist fight and a shooting that paralyzed one man. On April 10, 2007, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell announced a 1-year suspension for Jones, to be re-evaluated after the 10th regular-season game. After a meeting between Goodell and Jones on November 5, 2007, it was announced Jones would not be reinstated during the 2007 season.

My advice to Jerry Jones and the Cowboys organization: Don’t be misled to think this player can change. He’s been given second chances before. He will be a "cancer" to this franchise. There are plenty of players available without the baggage/criminal history of Jones.

Adam "Pacman" Jones criminal history:

July 13, 2005 – Arrested and charged with assault and felony vandalism after a nightclub altercation. This began Pacman Jones NFL rap sheet. He already had a lengthy one from high school and college.

September 5, 2005 – Adam was invited to attend the Nashville Sports Council Kickoff Luncheon. Jones went off on a verbal tirade while being told to wait for his car after the event. He then refused to tip the valet service.

October 2005 – State of West Virginia filed a petition stating that Jones had not been contacting his probation officer and that he had not reported his July 2005 arrest. The judge extended the probation for just 90 days.

October 26, 2006 – Jones was issued a citation for misdemeanor assault after a female student from Tennessee State University claimed that Jones spit in her face at a Nashville night club.

Feburary 19, 2007 – Jones was in the middle of a fight and shooting at a strip club in Las Vegas that left one man paralyzed and two more wounded. The fight broke out after Jones showered strippers on stage with $81,000 dollars. The club owner claims Jones was beating a strippers head against the bar while claiming to kill one of the club’s employees.

January 3, 2008 – PacmanFebruary is accused of punching Wanda S. Jackson in the face at an Atlanta strip club called the Body Tap Strip Club. Jackson says Jones reached over the counter and sucker punched her in her left eye.

I love the Dallas Cowboys. All I can do is hope Jerry Jones does the right thing.

http://lonestarstruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/posts3.png180397Contributing Authorhttp://lonestarstruck.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/lonestarstruck.pngContributing Author2008-03-23 17:17:252008-03-23 17:17:25Improving The Secondary... But At What Cost?